Alloy Frames

[beemer]

I recently acquired a Taurus Ultra-Lite Model 85,this is the alloy frame 38 spcl. While cleaning it up I noticed the hole in the frame for the rear cylinder pin appears to have a steel bushing in it, my Smith Airweight doesn't. This seems to be a good idea, I was wondering if anyone here has had any problems with the Smith shooting loose. I'll probably not shoot either one enough to give problems and I don't use hot loads but I am still curious.

I'm carrying this Taurus around the place with snake shot up front, sort of rough duty. The timing is good and sights close enough to POA.

Dave

[Outpost75]

My S&W Model 12 and 37 from the 1970s have a steel firing pin bushing staked in.

When did Smith quit doing this?

[35remington]

I do not know when the transition was made, but keeping the cylinder latch forward until the cylinder is in place when practice shooting prevents the cylinder pin from rounding the hole on one side in the frame to some degree.

With any degree of thoughtful manipulation the configuration is manageable. I do not shoot hot loads through my Airweights in any amount, preferring standard pressure loads, so take that for whatever it is worth.

[beemer]

My S&W Model 12 and 37 from the 1970s have a steel firing pin bushing staked in.

When did Smith quit doing this?

This is not the firing pin bushing, it is the hole for the rear cylinder pin that locks up the cylinder. The firing pin has a steel bushing in both brands. I noticed that the Taurus appears to have a steel bushing on both the firing pin and the cylinder lock.

Dave

How are your older allot Smiths set up?

[onelight]

You got me curious so I looked at my Ruger LCR it appears to have a small bushing for the cylinder pin and firing pin don’t have any aluminum Smith’s.

[LUBEDUDE]

My Chiefs Special bought in the 80s has no bushing, but there is a steel stop for the ejector rod pin.

I reckon as long as no one does the Hollywood swing slam there should be no problems. I cringe at every cop show or movie I see when they swing slam those cylinders shut.

[gwpercle]

I've had my 38 special Airweight 637 since 2005 , shot regularly .
No steel bushing and no problems . Everything is as tight as a drum .

The usual steel firing pin bushing is there but no cylinder pin bushing...and no apparent wear either.
Gary

[LUBEDUDE]

This thread made me curious, so I checked other Smiths and Colts.

Did not find any bushings in any steel frame Smiths EXCEPT a 1901 M&P 32-20.

My Smith AirLite TI 32 has a bushing. It’s an early model from the 90s(?).

My Smith AirWeight 38 does not.

My Colt Cobra (alloy) does Not have a bushing, nor the steel framed Defective Special, Pythons, and Diamondback that I have.

I only own one DA Ruger and I couldn’t find it to check.

[onelight]

It looks to me like the smiths have been working like that a long time, and that is the best test.
Shoot and enjoy.

[smkummer]

I carry both a colt (old alloy) cobra and agent 38. These were bought used and will last a lifetime firing standard ammo and occasional plus P. Steel inserts at high wear areas sounds like a good design.

[samari46]

My two 24-3's both have a firing pin bushing as well as my 624 all in 44 special. Models 10, 15 and 36 all have firing pin bushings. Frank